The first of what is destined to become an international network of Student World Chiropractic Alliance (SWCA) chapters has been founded at Parker College of Chiropractic.

"This is a significant event, since it reflects the growing interest in subluxation-based chiropractic on our college campuses," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president.

He noted that today's chiropractic students are particularly attracted to the WCA's combination of traditional principles with current scientific research. Although the WCA is considered a staunch champion of chiropractic's founding principles, it is also, as publisher of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), one of the leading proponents of chiropractic research.

Since becoming president of Parker College in April 2000, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini has won a reputation for his dedication to chiropractic principles as well as the willingness to allow students, doctors and organizations to express a wide range of viewpoints.

Some colleges, stung by the WCA's opposition to medical encroachment into chiropractic education, have prevented the WCA from having contact with students. They have refused to distribute The Chiropractic Journal or allow WCA representatives to speak on campus.

"Dr. Mancini has demonstrated time and again that he is an independent thinker and welcomes a free exchange of ideas on his campus," Dr. Rondberg noted. "That's one reason he's so popular with students and so well respected by doctors throughout the world."

Elected to serve as the chapter's first slate of officers were Jaime Sanchez, President; Brent Stevens, Vice-President; Christie Sonchar, Secretary, and Eric Rawlin, Treasurer.

Parker student Micah Carter, who helped put together the new chapter, said he's excited about the prospect of introducing the WCA to his fellow students. After Dr. Rondberg spoke to students in August 2001, Carter noted an increase in interest in the group even though he said, "most of our class thinks we (WCA student members) are too radical about chiropractic since we feel that chiropractic is not a treatment for any condition. It's amazing how hard it is to get people out of the allopathic paradigm!"

Getting students out of the allopathic paradigm -- or at least opening their minds to a more subluxation-based approach -- is one of the missions of the Student WCA chapters.

"We hope to set up chapters in all chiropractic colleges," Rondberg noted. "Although there are one or two schools that may be too afraid of the influence we might have on their students, we hope pressure from students and alumni will prevent any overt discrimination against us."

Students interested in joining the Parker SWCA should contact Micah Carter at n8chiropractic@yahoo.com.